A HANDMADE dolls' house is among the lots at a charity auction in Exbourne tomorrow (Friday), to raise money for Bulgarian orphans.

The dolls' house was made by Barry Gee, the organiser of the auction at the Red Lion to raise money for Okehampton-based charity the House of Rachel. He has organised the auction for the last two years, raising around £600 at each event.

Earlier this year, Barry was part of a building team to visit the village of Kichevo to prepare a two-acre plot of land for a summer camp, which will provide a home for 50 children during the summer months.

Bulgaria has the highest number of orphaned and abandoned children in Europe.

There is minimal provision for those forced to leave orphanages at 18, often with no money, job or family. Through a varied programme of diverse projects, the House of Rachel aims to improve the lives of vulnerable Bulgarian children and equip them with the skills they need to cope later in life.

The dolls' house has been on display in the window of OK Leisure in Okehampton to promote the auction. The shop is run by charity founder Andrew Morgan, who recently led a team of Okehampton College students to Bulgaria to help with the charity's work.

Andrew said: 'Barry started the auctions when he was not quite so heavily involved with the charity, and the money he has raised each time has been a huge boost to our funds, and it has been an excellent, well-run event.'

The auction starts at 8.30pm. Other lots include a holiday at Atlantic Reach in Newquay, meals at pubs and restaurants in the area, a picnic table, kites and much more.

The charity is also organising a trip to Krivnya orphanage during the end of April and beginning of May next year so that three teams can carry out work on the orphanage's school and homes.

There will be an open evening on Saturday, October 6 at Okehampton Baptist Church to see the charity's work and find out how you can get involved. The evening starts at 7pm and all are welcome.